Jets Nation Recap: Jets Shutout Blackhawks In Best Game Of The Year

Nine regulars injured. Best team in the Western Conference in town. Mammoth test. Let’s just say the Winnipeg Jets passed with flying colours. In what was their most impressive effort of the season, the Jets blanked the mighty Chicago Blackhawks 4-0 before a packed house at the MTS Centre.

Game Notes:

This will be a game Josh Morrissey will never forget. The 2013 first round selection scored his first NHL goal to open the scoring. It also proved to be the game winning goal. Morrissey wasn’t done there. He absolutely crushed Vinnie Hinostroza with a devastating open ice hit. That bodycheck led to some intense discussion on Twitter whether the hit was clean or not. I maintain the hit was high and made contact to the head but many Jets fans disagree. In any event, Morrissey made his presence felt.

Connor Hellebuyck made a serious case to be the number one goalie. His 27-save performance was excellent while looking poised and controlled between the pipes. After conceding some soft goals in his previous starts, Hellebuyck was rock solid tonight. If he can go forward with more efforts like this, the Jets will be in good shape.

The third period may have been the best 20 minutes the Jets have played since their arrival from Atlanta in 2011. Clinging to a 1-0 lead against a team like Chicago is an arduous task. But the Jets showed their mettle by lighting the lamp three times while outshooting the Hawks 11-7. Chris Thorburn, who I’ve been very critical of scored an unlikely but needed second goal. Patrik Laine scored his league-leading 12th of the season. Nic Petan capped off the scoring with his first of the campaign.

Speaking of Petan, don’t send him down. Please. He’s just so skilled and he sees the ice so well. We need more players like him in the league.

Jacob Trouba showed his toughness late in the second by blocking a Duncan Keith slap shot with his helmet. Trouba didn’t miss a shift. Say whatever you want about his contract dispute but there’s no denying when he straps on the blades, Trouba will do anything to help the team win.

We should add that it was Hockey Fights Cancer Night at the MTS Centre. Four brave children who are fighting this terrible disease dropped the puck for the ceremonial faceoff before tonight’s game. A cheque was presented in the amount of $210,000 and was donated to CancerCare Manitoba. A moving night to be sure.